You folks are right about shock absorber choice

[any4xx]

My new-to-me ‘99 Sport came with a 3” rear lift and a 2” front lift and Bilstein 5100 shocks. Based on the presence of a trailer brake controller I suspect that the mismatched lift was for a level ride while towing something much heavier than recommended. Whatever the case, the ride was horrible. I decided to experiment and drop it back to stock height and replace the Bilstein shocks with Rancho RS5000X shocks. HUGE difference in ride. And with the aftermarket wheel backspacing the 31x10.5 tires don’t rub on anything.

I’ll keep the shocks and springs for now in case I decide to change things at a later time. But for now my 5’00” wife is happy to be able to climb in and out with less effort.

Bottom line is that I always (ignorantly) thought that Bilstein was a great shock. And they might very well be on a heavier truck. But on these light TJs I’m happy to not have a set pounding me into submission any longer. The forum consensus was right.

 

[Chris]

Shocks can be a subjective subject, that's for sure. Some people like more firm / sporty rides, other people like softer rides. It's been so long since I had Bilstein 5100s on a TJ I can't even recall what they rode like.

 

[any4xx]

Shocks can be a subjective subject, that's for sure. Some people like more firm / sporty rides, other people like softer rides. It's been so long since I had Bilstein 5100s on a TJ I can't even recall what they rode like.

Definitely subjective. If someone is seeking a harsh ride, Bilstein will fill that need. For an old guy such as myself looking for a comfortable ride the Ranchos are the ticket.

 

[Danarch]

We have the Bilstein shocks on three JHU / JK’s and very happy with them. That said according the to AEV they are supposed to be tuned to their suspension lift.

I have no idea what they would be like on a TJ.

 

[any4xx]

We have the Bilstein shocks on three JHU / JK’s and very happy with them. That said according the to AEV they are supposed to be tuned to their suspension lift.

I have no idea what they would be like on a TJ.

The Bilstein part numbers show they are the proper shocks for the amount of lift that I had. “Harsh” is how I would best describe them on a lightweight TJ.

 

[aston4]

The Bilsteins are helpful at 90mph on the interstate. Makes the ride very very sightly less terrifying. No I don't want to go that fast but that's modern traffic now.

 

[any4xx]

The Bilsteins are helpful at 90mph on the interstate. Makes the ride very very sightly less terrifying. No I don't want to go that fast but that's modern traffic now.

I’ve got a really good imagination. But even that won’t let me see my TJ ever getting up to 90 MPH.

 

[aston4]

I’ve got a really good imagination. But even that won’t let me see my TJ ever getting up to 90 MPH.

Yeah. Don't try to imagine the aftermath of a wreck either.

 

[mjonesjr84]

I really like the Bilsteins on mine. Granted, mine doesn't spend much time on the road anymore.

 

[KennethS]

I originally had Rancho 9000s and replaced them with Bilsteins. I saw no difference in the ride quality.

 

[Link]

I have Ranchos based on forum recommendations here. I think they are mediocre at best. Wouldn’t use them again.

 

[lBasket]

I have the shocks that come on the BDS lift and they suck!! They're super duper firm and harsh

 

[Abendage]

Considering the 5000x’s are less than $60 a shock, they really are remarkable on the TJ’s/LJ’s. In my opinion, they are the best out there until you go to the tuned setups.

 

[DevilDogDoc]

I ran a set of 5100’s on my rig for about 10 years. They were used when I got them so no idea of age. She’s a heavy girl now but at the time I put them on was pretty stock. Always rode good to me, soft even after she got heavier. They never leaked and I replaced them only because I got brand new Kings all around for $250. New Kings ride real nice for me, firmed up the handling but not harsh at all. I hit a speed bump in a parking lot fast, on purpose, and just glided over.

 

[srimes]

The Bilstein part numbers show they are the proper shocks for the amount of lift that I had. “Harsh” is how I would best describe them on a lightweight TJ.

Mine came with them. They were quite good for playing "racecar" and bombing around off road, where you hit bumps hard enough to make them work. The ride smoothed out at speed and they maintain control.

But they sucked when I wanted to take it easy and cruise, which is what I do 98% of the time. My TJs fairly light. They'd probably ride fine with an extra 1000 pounds.

 

[ColoJeep]

Mine came with them. They were quite good for playing "racecar" and bombing around off road, where you hit bumps hard enough to make them work. The ride smoothed out at speed and they maintain control.

But they sucked when I wanted to take it easy and cruise, which is what I do 98% of the time. My TJs fairly light. They'd probably ride fine with an extra 1000 pounds.

Yesterday I hauled 1200 lbs. of wood pellets in my Tacoma with 5100's on the rear . The ride was Cadillac like , compared to an empty truck .

 

[TheBoogieman]

My favorite Bilstein quote from an expert. You can try to guess their identity. NO HINTS.
"If you can tolerate the Bilsteins, that will invalidate any discussion you and I may have from now on. They are quite possibly the most annoying damper I've ever used.

Folks tend to brag about how nicely they eat up the larger events while failing to mention accurately in the same breath they are real handy at determining if a quarter is heads or tails simply by passing a tire over it.

Small event harshness is quite annoying to me.

For the record, my opinion of Bilstein has probably irritated more folks than should be legal and I just use their opinion of them as a barometer to show how well they judge ride quality."

 

[TheBoogieman]

Considering the 5000x’s are less than $60 a shock, they really are remarkable on the TJ’s/LJ’s. In my opinion, they are the best out there until you go to the tuned setups.

I have had them on few Jeeps and they're okay. I'm going to try the Skyjacker Black Max next. They're @macleanflood approved.

 

[D's Jeep Wrld]

I'm gonna be 3 linking the front of my jeep,I wonder if the added stiffness of the bilsteins will help compensate the added roll I'm gonna get due to the nature of a 3 link ?

 

[TheBoogieman]

I'm gonna be 3 linking the front of my jeep,I wonder if the added stiffness of the bilsteins will help compensate the added roll I'm gonna get due to the nature of a 3 link ?

The RC N3 shocks ride just as stiff and will save you money, since most people are giving them away.